Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez, 43, has reunited with his family following his release from prison on parole after serving time for attempted murder charges.
Prison Release Details
Velasquez received a five-year sentence in March 2025 after pursuing and firing at the vehicle of Harry Goularte, who faces charges of lewd acts with a minor involving Velasquez’s four-year-old son. The shot missed Goularte but struck his stepfather.
Previously on house arrest since November 2022, Velasquez pleaded no contest to felony attempted murder, assault, and weapons charges. He earned release after 1,283 days in custody, including credit for prior jail time and house arrest leading up to his 2024 trial.
Emotional Family Reunion
On Sunday, Velasquez exited a California prison via shuttle and embraced his children. A mariachi band performed at his welcome-home celebration, marking the joyful return to his wife and two kids.
Ongoing Legal Matters
Goularte continues to face felony charges for lewd acts with a minor. Velasquez has also pursued a civil lawsuit against him.
Velasquez’s Remorse and Forgiveness
Velasquez expressed regret over the incident, negotiating a deal with prosecutors to avoid a life sentence amid trial delays. On the Kyle Kingsbury podcast, he stated, “My actions were very dangerous to other people. Not just people involved, but to innocent people. I understand what I did and I’m willing to do everything I have to pay that back.”
He further noted his forgiveness toward the Goularte family, who operated the daycare linked to the allegations: “Even with that family and what they’ve done, I can’t have hate like that for them. Because there are things that I have to move on to and give love to my kids and give love to the people around.”
Storied MMA Career
Velasquez claimed UFC gold twice, first defeating Brock Lesnar in 2010 before losing to Junior dos Santos in his initial defense. He recaptured the title against dos Santos in 2012 but relinquished it to Fabricio Werdum soon after. He retired in 2019 with a 14-3 record following a knockout loss to Francis Ngannou.
